A Happy Thanksgiving full of love, sharing, and generosity to everyone. We have so much to be thankful for in our great Nation. This year, more than ever, I feel it’s important we appreciate and show gratitude for all that we are so very blessed with.
“In the spirit, Thanksgiving has become a day when Americans extend a helping hand to the less fortunate. Long before there were government welfare programs this spirit of voluntary giving was ingrained in the American character. Americans have always understood that, truly, one must give in order to receive.” President Ronald Reagan
With the challenges facing our Nation, I think these words by President Reagan truly sum up the spirit of the past, present, and hopefully future of the American people. We must remain a selfless Nation working in the name of good. No one lends a helping hand, whether it’s to each other or those in need around the world like Americans do. This covers everything from humanitarian efforts to actually securing and protecting freedom with our armed forces. Our Nation must remain this shining light of liberty.
This begins and ends with each one of us understanding that good and evil can be found in all that presents itself. This battle must be waged through hard work, common sense, unity, and, again, selflessness.
President George Washington designated November 26th, 1789, as “a day of public Thanksgiving in prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of almighty God.” I believe President Washington made clear the importance of God and giving thanks for everything our newly born Country was about. This must continue by choice through the freedoms each individual is provided.
My next thought as we settle in for the Thanksgiving and Christmas season is to avoid discussing politics and the recent election as we celebrate together. It would be good to begin this the night before Thanksgiving and carry it right on through the last football game. And I’m talking about the Super Bowl, which is in February.
Please do not allow your words, whether they’re sincere or maybe just to instigate a reaction, to detract from what being together for the holidays is to be about.
Please make sure no family member, friend, or neighbor is forgotten about. There are always folks facing challenges during the holidays, and some remembering loved ones who have left us. Please invite them to your family table. If they choose not to come, make up a plate and drop it off along with a quick visit. I guarantee you it will be greatly appreciated. If they live out of town, give them a call, wish them a Happy Thanksgiving, and listen if they want to talk.
Thank you to all who go the extra mile to make sure everyone can enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner through their generosity and caring. The gift of time to provide this kindness is often overlooked. We are blessed locally with great organizations, churches, and community efforts to make this happen.
As you enjoy Thanksgiving Day in America, please pray for our servicemen and women, emergency responders, and healthcare professionals. Pray for their peace, safety, and willingness to serve. They continue to protect and take care of us while leaving an empty seat at their families’ tables.
A quick reminder, our 17th Annual Webb Weekly Uncle Ron’s Monster Buck Contest is underway. Full details can be found on page 49.
As the tradition of the Pennsylvania rifle season approaches, I’m sure there will be many big bucks down. Just remember, a trophy is in the hands of the holder. Every legally harvested buck can be entered. This registers the hunter for our random rifle drawing courtesy of Sauers Trading.
For anyone wanting to help the Salvation Army Williamsport, our Red Kettle collection has begun at our Webb Weekly office. We are continuing the ringing of the Bell for my longtime friend Dave Sechler by again matching the donations made at our office at 280 Kane St., Suite 2, South Williamsport 17702. If you stop by in person, there will be a Webb Weekly coffee mug with some great Christmas candy for you; if you choose to mail it in, please get it to us by December 23rd. Thank you very much for caring.
Happy Thanksgiving! Let’s all be safe and extra careful out there.
God Bless America.
